Today, in response to Secretary of State John Kerry’s remarks Monday at the American Jewish Committee Global Forum, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:

Secretary Kerry’s rousing address at the AJC Global Forum was a welcome reaffirmation of the Obama Administration’s commitment to Israel’s security and to a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as a reminder that the American Jewish community has a vital role to play in achieving both goals.

For too long, the peace process has been a victim of confidence-sapping statements and actions. Yet as Secretary Kerry said so eloquently, “the best way to truly ensure Israel’s security today and for future generations is by ending once and for all the conflict with the Palestinians, by summoning the courage to achieve peace, and by reaching a negotiated resolution that results in two states for two peoples, each able to fulfill their legitimate national aspirations in a homeland of their own.”

Our Reform Movement has long held that a negotiated two state solution is crucial to Israel’s security and well-being, to its character as a Jewish and democratic state, as well as to the hopes for a viable Palestinian state. The circumstances for peace will never be ideal, but the alternative – future generations doomed to live with permanent hostility – is simply unacceptable.

We are confident that with the support of the Administration’s entire foreign policy team, including newly-named National Security Advisor Susan Rice, who has staunchly supported U.S. interests and Israel’s well being, lasting peace can indeed be a reality. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas must commit to its realization and return to the negotiating table and work in earnest with Secretary Kerry to advance peace.

The Reform Movement is committed to heeding Secretary Kerry’s call to be a voice for peace, as we have long been, prioritizing the well being of our children and grandchildren’s future, in which both peoples can flourish through mutual recognition, respect and security.

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